Vini e Vecchi Sapori

"Known for its refined and thoughtfully composed dishes with a focus on vegetables."

"There are plenty of tourist traps firmly camped out in Florence’s main squares, which makes Vini e Vecchi Sapori a bit of an anomaly. It’s the safest (and best) bet near Piazza della Signoria for both lunch and dinner. This old tavern features walls full of vintage photographs and marble-topped wooden tables pushed close together, and is filled with loud Italians catching up over Tuscan staples. Whatever you do, don't ask for an Aperol spritz—they have a big section on the menu that reads “no pizza, no ice, no takeaway, spritz or cappuccino.” It’s a refreshing departure from the many places in the city that only cater to an Italy that only exists on TikTok. This is a great place to try peposo, a warm-you-up beef stew braised in local wine and slow-cooked with black pepper, but they also do exceptional pasta like paccheri in a sauce of zucchini flowers and saffron or the pappardelle with duck sauce. " - coral sisk, georgette jupe

"There are plenty of tourist traps firmly camped out in Florence’s main squares, which makes Vini e Vecchi Sapori a bit of an anomaly. It’s the safest (and best) bet near Piazza della Signoria for both lunch and dinner. This old tavern features walls full of vintage photographs and marble-topped wooden tables pushed close together, and is filled with loud Italians catching up over Tuscan staples. Whatever you do, don’t ask for an Aperol spritz—they have a big section on the menu that reads “no pizza, no ice, no takeaway, spritz or cappuccino.” It’s a refreshing departure from the many places in the city that only cater to an Italy that only exists on TikTok. This is a great place to try peposo, a warm-you-up beef stew braised in local wine and slow-cooked with black pepper, but they also do exceptional pasta like paccheri in a sauce of zucchini flowers and saffron or the pappardelle with duck sauce." - Georgette Jupe

"A short walk from the Uffizi Gallery, this tiny eatery makes its intentions clear on the handwritten menu outside: no pizza, no ice, no cappuccino, and no steak. This osteria serves traditional Tuscan food, and is known for its pappardelle in duck ragu, ribollita soup, fragrant saffron pasta tossed with zucchini flowers and a touch of cream, and meat-based mains like tomato-stewed cod and rolled, stuffed pork. This soulful Florentine institution is heavily frequented by locals — reservations are necessary." - Coral Sisk

"Tiny, crowded and noisy, this traditional Florentine haunt is all wood paneling, rustic beams, and memorabilia-stacked walls. The “No pizza, no cappuccino, no ice, no takeaway” notices say it all. This is a place to feast on competently-prepared Florentine classics such as liver-topped crostini, pappardelle pasta with duck sauce, and peposo, a hearty, pepper-centric beef stew. But there are variations; the signature paccheri pasta with zucchini flowers and saffron is delicious, and there is the odd fish option like baccalà alla Livornese (salt cod in tomato sauce). At lunch time, expect a mix of foot-weary tourists (it’s a pigeon’s spit from the Uffizi Gallery) and smartly-dressed functionaries from the Palazzo Vecchio town hall offices. There’s a dearth of good places to eat in this tourist hot-spot, so the top-notch earthy home cooking is much appreciated." - Nicky Swallow